Neottia japonica is a small, perennial orchid species in
forest floors. The stems are erect and measure 5-15cm tall, without
hairs, and have two undulated, triangular-oval-shaped leaves at the
tops. The phyllotaxis is alternate, but because of the little
vertical distance between the two, it looks like the opposite
phyllotaxis. The stem tops set inflorescences (racemes) about as
long as the stems are sparse, with 2-6 pale purple-brown flowers.
The flower stalks are abundant with short hairs, sepals, and petals
bending backward, and lips are cuneate, 6-8mm long, and cut
themselves into two as if to make an upside-down Y shape. Bloom
time: March-May. |